GSA awards $4.5M contract for pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, highlighting a fixed-price with economic adjustment structure

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,555 ($4.6K)

Contractor: Tapesouth Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-04-17

Contract Duration: 9 days

Daily Burn Rate: $506/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE: IAW ASTM D 5486 - STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR PRESSURE-SENSITIVE TAPE FOR PKG, BOX CLOSURE, AND SEALING. ITEM NAME TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE I.A.W. TYPE: I CLASS: 2 OVERALL WIDTH 2.000 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH 6

Place of Performance

Location: GAINESVILLE, ALACHUA County, FLORIDA, 32653

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $4,555 to TAPESOUTH INC for work described as: TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE: IAW ASTM D 5486 - STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR PRESSURE-SENSITIVE TAPE FOR PKG, BOX CLOSURE, AND SEALING. ITEM NAME TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE I.A.W. TYPE: I CLASS: 2 OVERALL WIDTH 2.000 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH 6 Key points: 1. The contract utilizes a fixed-price structure with economic price adjustment, allowing for potential cost fluctuations. 2. Competition was conducted under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' suggesting a specific justification for limiting initial bidders. 3. The contract duration is 9 months, indicating a short-term need for the specified adhesive tape. 4. The item is specified to meet ASTM D 5486 standards for packaging, box closure, and sealing. 5. The awarded amount of $4.55 million covers a specific quantity of tape with defined width and length. 6. The supplier, TAPESOUTH INC, will deliver the product to Florida. 7. This procurement falls under the 'Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing' industry classification.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific adhesive tape contract is challenging without more granular data on unit pricing and market comparisons for the exact specifications. The fixed-price with economic adjustment clause introduces variability. However, the General Services Administration (GSA) typically aims for competitive pricing through its procurement processes. Further analysis would require comparing the per-unit cost against similar GSA schedule contracts or other federal solicitations for pressure-sensitive tape meeting identical ASTM standards.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, specific sources may have been excluded for documented reasons, or the initial solicitation was limited before a broader opening. The exact number of bidders is not provided, making it difficult to fully assess the breadth of competition. This procurement method suggests a need for specialized products or a strategic decision to limit initial bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: The 'limited' competition level, as indicated by the procurement method, may result in less aggressive pricing compared to a truly open and unrestricted competition. Taxpayers benefit from the GSA's oversight to ensure fair pricing, but the potential for fewer bids could mean a slightly higher cost than if a wider range of suppliers were actively engaged from the outset.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring packaging, box closure, and sealing solutions will benefit from the reliable supply of this pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. The contract ensures the availability of essential office supplies for government operations. The geographic impact is focused on Florida, where the delivery orders will be fulfilled. The contract supports the manufacturing workforce involved in producing adhesive tapes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' could indicate potential limitations in the supplier pool, possibly leading to less competitive pricing.
The economic price adjustment clause introduces uncertainty in the final cost, potentially increasing expenses beyond initial projections.
Lack of detailed unit pricing makes it difficult to assess true value-for-money without further benchmarking.

Positive Signals

The contract is awarded by the General Services Administration (GSA), a reputable agency known for its procurement expertise.
The tape must meet specific ASTM D 5486 standards, ensuring a baseline level of quality and performance.
The fixed-price component provides some cost certainty, despite the economic adjustment.

Sector Analysis

The market for pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes is substantial, encompassing various industrial, commercial, and consumer applications. Within the federal sector, agencies rely on these tapes for packaging, sealing, labeling, and general office use. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 339940, 'Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing,' covers this type of product. Federal spending in this category is driven by the consistent need for supplies across all government operations. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other GSA Federal Supply Schedule contracts or agency-specific procurements for similar tapes.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, TAPESOUTH INC, is not a small business for the purpose of this award. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in fulfilling this contract are not guaranteed and would depend on the prime contractor's independent subcontracting decisions.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) oversees this contract, employing standard federal procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms. Accountability is maintained through contract terms, performance monitoring, and payment processes tied to delivery. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases where award details are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedule Contracts
Office Supplies Procurement
Packaging and Sealing Materials
Adhesive Products

Risk Flags

Potential for price increases due to economic price adjustment clause.
Limited competition may impact price discovery.
Lack of explicit small business subcontracting requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $4,555 to TAPESOUTH INC. TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE: IAW ASTM D 5486 - STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR PRESSURE-SENSITIVE TAPE FOR PKG, BOX CLOSURE, AND SEALING. ITEM NAME TAPE, PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE I.A.W. TYPE: I CLASS: 2 OVERALL WIDTH 2.000 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH 6

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TAPESOUTH INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4,555.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-04-17.

What is the historical spending pattern for pressure-sensitive adhesive tape by the General Services Administration?

Analyzing historical spending for pressure-sensitive adhesive tape by the GSA requires accessing detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. Typically, GSA procures such items through its Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) or through direct delivery orders against established contracts. Spending patterns can fluctuate based on agency demand, inventory management strategies, and the availability of competitive contract vehicles. A review of past awards under relevant NAICS codes (like 339940) and Product Service Codes (PSCs) would reveal trends in contract values, quantities, and the number of awarded contracts. For instance, a surge in spending might correlate with increased government operations or specific large-scale projects requiring extensive packaging. Conversely, a decline could indicate better inventory management or shifts towards alternative materials. Without specific historical data for this exact tape specification, a general trend for office supplies and packaging materials can be inferred, showing consistent but variable demand.

How does the unit price of this tape compare to similar GSA Schedule contracts?

Directly comparing the unit price of this specific pressure-sensitive adhesive tape to similar GSA Schedule contracts is challenging without knowing the exact quantity purchased and the breakdown of the $4.55 million award. The contract specifies a 2-inch width and adherence to ASTM D 5486 standards. To perform a valid comparison, one would need to identify other GSA Schedule contracts offering tape with identical or very similar specifications (width, length, material type, ASTM standard compliance) and then calculate the per-unit price based on the quantities and total award values. GSA's Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or GSA Advantage! could be used to search for comparable items. Factors like volume discounts, contract duration, and specific economic price adjustment clauses can significantly influence unit pricing, making a direct 'apples-to-apples' comparison difficult. However, a general benchmark can be established by looking at the average price per square inch or per linear foot for tapes within the same product category and quality standard.

What are the potential risks associated with the 'fixed price with economic price adjustment' contract type for this adhesive tape?

The 'fixed price with economic price adjustment' (FPEPA) contract type for adhesive tape introduces several potential risks. Primarily, the economic price adjustment (EPA) clause allows for modifications to the contract price based on fluctuations in specified economic factors, such as raw material costs (e.g., petrochemicals used in adhesives and backing) or labor rates. This means the final cost to the government could be higher than the initially anticipated fixed price, introducing budget uncertainty. The risk lies in the government potentially overpaying if market prices increase significantly. Conversely, if prices decrease, the contractor may not be obligated to pass those savings back to the government unless the EPA clause is structured to allow for downward adjustments. Managing this risk requires careful monitoring of the economic indicators tied to the EPA and ensuring the clause is well-defined to prevent excessive price escalations. The government also bears the administrative burden of tracking and verifying these adjustments.

What is the track record of TAPESOUTH INC in fulfilling federal contracts for adhesive products?

Assessing the track record of TAPESOUTH INC requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving adhesive products or similar supplies. Information on contract history, including on-time delivery rates, quality of goods provided, and any past performance issues or disputes, can typically be found in federal procurement databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or through sources like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). A positive track record would indicate consistent delivery, adherence to specifications, and minimal performance-related complaints. Conversely, a history of late deliveries, quality issues, or contract disputes would raise concerns about their reliability for this current $4.55 million award. Without direct access to CPARS data or a comprehensive search of FPDS for TAPESOUTH INC's specific contract history, a definitive assessment of their track record is not possible from the provided data alone.

How does the specified ASTM D 5486 standard impact the performance and cost of the adhesive tape?

The ASTM D 5486 standard specifies requirements for pressure-sensitive adhesive tape used for packaging, box closure, and sealing. Adherence to this standard ensures a baseline level of performance, including properties like adhesion strength, tensile strength, shear resistance, and resistance to environmental factors relevant to packaging. For the government, this means the tape is expected to reliably perform its intended function, reducing the risk of package failure during transit or storage. From a cost perspective, tapes manufactured to meet specific ASTM standards often incorporate higher-quality materials and undergo more rigorous testing compared to non-standard tapes. This can lead to a higher unit cost. However, the improved performance and reliability can result in long-term cost savings by minimizing product damage, reducing the need for re-packaging, and ensuring the integrity of shipments. Therefore, while the ASTM standard may increase the initial purchase price, it is intended to provide better overall value and performance assurance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing › Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: OFFICE SUPPLIES AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT (K)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1626 NW 55TH PL, GAINESVILLE, FL, 32653

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,555

Exercised Options: $4,555

Current Obligation: $4,555

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSSC25D000E

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline